If you’ve read anything I’ve written, you know that I work with the poor. And up until recently, I was employed by a local church to minister to a specific neighborhood in New Albany, Indiana. Then, because of some upcoming life changes, I left that job. You can read about it here if you want. I spent … Continue reading Introducing Nomad
Urban Ministry
Can We Have a Conversation?
In ministry to the poor, I often feel lonely. I’m guessing others in this ministry feel the same way. We come to Christ at some point in our lives, read the gospels, and draw the conclusion: I think Jesus wants me to care for the poor. Then we show up in a poor neighborhood and … Continue reading Can We Have a Conversation?
Should We Try to End Poverty?
A sinful woman once knelt before Jesus and anointed him with a jar of expensive perfume. The apostles saw the act as wasteful, because the woman could have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. Jesus tells his disciples to shut up, because the woman had done a beautiful thing. He also … Continue reading Should We Try to End Poverty?
Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the most important theological texts in history. He writes the letter to confront the Galatians for believing the legalistic lie that to follow Christ, they must also be circumcised. The letter is important because it clarifies that Christians are saved by faith rather than works of the … Continue reading Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Black Hole Jesus
For over a decade now, I’ve had the joy of interacting with men and women who are said to be on the “margins of society.” The word margin simply means “the edge or border of something.” When describing people, the word typically references those who don’t fit into the normal social structure of a community. … Continue reading Black Hole Jesus
Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
We have two showers at Midtown Commons. For the first three years I worked here, no one showered in them. In fact, we just used the showers for storage space. Then, one day, Linda (who I mentioned last month) came into the Commons and asked if she could take a shower. She was a mess … Continue reading Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
The Missing Phrase
Christians are people who believe Jesus. This simple identity goes beyond believing facts about Jesus. That he is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of humanity, that he conquered death. Believing Jesus means that when Jesus opens his mouth to teach us, we listen and obey. The most succinct way to … Continue reading The Missing Phrase
Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
After years of working with the poor, one of the things that has infuriated me the most is the untruth being propagated by people claiming the authority of God. Bad news proclaimed to the poor. John is a man I have known since Rachel and I moved to New Albany. He is 87 years old … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Linda is off the hook crazy. I first met her when my pastor friend Brian responded to a call FROM THE POLICE to assist in a domestic situation. Brian and I drove down an ally to find a woman ranting and raving in front of what looked like a yard sale. It wasn’t a yard … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Every Thursday morning at Midtown Commons, we set up a folding table and top it with bagels, cereal, and fresh fruit. We brew numerous pots of coffee and click on the open sign. Just before 8:00 am, we open the doors and our beloved neighbors, many of whom are homeless, join us for breakfast and … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Preston Searcy 